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Trump Curtails Musk’s Influence Over DOGE, Reasserts Cabinet Authority in Workforce Decisions

In a bold move to redefine federal workforce restructuring, former President Donald Trump has drawn clear boundaries around Elon Musk’s role in government job cuts. Despite Musk’s high-profile involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Trump made it clear that hiring and firing decisions ultimately rest with Cabinet secretaries.

During a closed-door Cabinet meeting, Trump addressed concerns over Musk’s perceived influence in government operations. He assured agency heads that they—not Musk—held the final say on personnel matters. “Keep the people you need,” Trump reportedly told his Cabinet. “We want the best workforce, and where we have good people, we keep them.”

The move signals a recalibration in strategy after Musk’s aggressive push for deep staffing cuts sparked concerns in Washington. While Trump initially granted Musk significant oversight in streamlining bureaucracy, pushback from Congress—particularly among Republican lawmakers—forced a strategic pivot.

Republicans Push Back on Musk’s Expanding Role

Musk’s involvement in federal employment decisions has been a growing point of contention. Republican lawmakers, while supportive of trimming government inefficiencies, have voiced concerns that Musk’s approach risks undermining essential operations. Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the need for agency heads to have direct control over their departments, stating, “They understand the intricacies of their programs better than anyone else.”

This sentiment echoes broader skepticism about outsourcing critical governmental functions to private sector leaders. While Musk remains a trusted figure in Trump’s inner circle, his influence now appears to be reined in—at least when it comes to personnel decisions.

Trump’s latest directive marks a shift from Musk’s initial sweeping layoffs to a more calculated strategy. The former president has made it clear that while cost-cutting remains a priority, it must be done surgically rather than indiscriminately. “If the Cabinet doesn’t make the necessary cuts, then Musk will step in,” Trump warned, indicating that the tech mogul still plays a role—but one more closely monitored.

This shift aims to balance efficiency with stability, ensuring that experienced professionals aren’t sacrificed in a blanket downsizing effort. Instead of a reckless purge, Trump is now advocating a more strategic approach—one that allows agencies to retain top talent while reducing redundancy.

Despite earlier perceptions that Musk was operating with unchecked authority, Republican insiders clarify that his role has always been advisory. “Elon doesn’t have firing power,” noted a senior GOP official. “He can make recommendations, but ultimately, agency heads are in control.”

This clarification seeks to dispel rumors that Musk was single-handedly dictating workforce reductions. Instead, the administration is positioning him as a consultant rather than an enforcer—an expert tasked with identifying inefficiencies rather than executing mass layoffs.

For government workers, this development provides some reassurance. While job cuts remain on the table, the decision-making process is now more deliberate, with Cabinet members holding the final authority. This shift reduces the risk of arbitrary dismissals and ensures that any reductions align with long-term governmental efficiency rather than short-term cost-cutting.

As Trump’s administration continues to navigate the complexities of federal workforce management, the balance between efficiency and stability will remain a key focus. Whether this recalibrated strategy will satisfy both fiscal conservatives and government employees remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear—Musk’s role, while still significant, is no longer as expansive as once believed.